History & context
With
Annabel ThwaiteThe story behind Fur Elise: who Beethoven may have written it for, and how its minor key gives the piece its tender, slightly sad mood.
What's in the course
21 lessons (0h 57m) · 1 free
Lesson transcript
For Elise
We are in doubt about who this piece was written for. There is some ambiguity regarding its true inspiration:
-
Therese: This name is often associated with Beethoven's pupil, who he reportedly proposed marriage to but was turned down.
-
Elisabeth Rockel: In 2010, evidence emerged suggesting that Beethoven may have written the piece for Elisabeth Rockel, a soprano he greatly admired. She notably took the lead role in Beethoven's opera Fidelio.
Emotional Essence
Regardless of who the piece was intended for, there is a profound feeling of:
- Caressing
- Warmth
- Love
This emotional depth is directed towards the person identified as Elise.
However, it's important to note that the piece is composed in a minor key, which infuses it with a tinge of sadness as well.
21 lessons
0h 57m of structured video lessons
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Meet your guru
Meet your guru
Recognised as one of Britain's most versatile and charismatic pianists, Annabel Thwaite enjoys a diverse career as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist, educator and examiner, and has won all the major accompanying prizes, including the prestigious Kathleen Ferrier, Gold Medal, and Richard Tauber Piano Prizes. She has collaborated with renowned artists such as Roberto Alagna, Bryn Terfel, David Kempster and "Only Men Aloud!"
Annabel has recorded for Universal records with the "Scottish Tenor", whose album was nominated for a Classical Brit Award and is regularly played on Classic FM. Twice the accompanist for the Festival of Welsh Male choirs, her performances at the Royal Albert Hall were recorded by Sain and have been aired on S4C. She is also a film session pianist, having recorded at Abbey Road the music for the film "Awake", the BBC Jane Austen series "Emma", "The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister" and, most recently, she has appeared on both Blue Peter and "The Rob Brydon Show".
"...no doubt helped by the obviously brilliant piano accompaniments from Annabel Thwaite...highly enjoyable."
In her MusicGurus courses - Learn Christmas Classics on Piano, Learn Classical Favourites on Piano, and Growing Chamber Groups and Small Ensembles - Annabel shares the musicianship behind that versatile career. You will learn how to bring well-loved Christmas and classical pieces to life at the piano, develop your touch and phrasing, and, drawing on her award-winning experience as an accompanist, discover how to listen, lead and play together when making music with other musicians in chamber groups and small ensembles.
